Implant breast reconstruction
Everything You Need to Know About Implant Breast Reconstruction
If you’ve had a mastectomy and need to reconstruct your breast, you’re not alone! According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018 over 70,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, with about 3% of those women losing both breasts. Implant breast reconstruction involves using implants filled with saline or silicone and placed under the chest muscles to give patients their own natural looking breasts again. Here’s everything you need to know about implant breast reconstruction!
The procedure
Implant breast reconstruction is a type of surgery that uses implants to create a new breast. This surgery is usually done after a mastectomy, and can be done as either a one-stage or two-stage procedure. In a one-stage procedure, the implant is placed at the time of the mastectomy. In a two-stage procedure, the implant is placed after the mastectomy wound has healed. The type of procedure you have will depend on your individual situation.
The different types of implant breast reconstruction
There are two main types of implant breast reconstruction: submuscular and subglandular. Submuscular implants are placed underneath the chest muscle, while subglandular implants are placed above the muscle but below the breast tissue. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about which is right for you.
What are the risks?
There are several risks associated with implant breast reconstruction, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and anesthesia complications. Additionally, the implants may not last a lifetime and may need to be replaced or removed at some point. There is also a small risk of developing a capsular contracture, which is when the scar tissue around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. This can cause pain and deformity.
How long does it take to recover?
The length of time it takes to recover from implant breast reconstruction surgery varies from person to person. Most people report feeling well enough to return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it can take up to several weeks for the incisions to heal and the swelling to subside. During this time, you may need help with childcare and household tasks. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions for post-operative care, including taking it easy and avoiding strenuous activity.
What kind of doctor should you see?
When you're considering implant breast reconstruction, it's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with the procedure. They'll be able to answer all of your questions and help you determine if implant breast reconstruction is right for you.
What kind of recovery period should you expect?
After your surgery, you will likely experience some soreness and swelling. These symptoms are normal and should improve within a few days. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection. You will also need to take it easy for a few weeks, avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting.Most women can return to work and their normal activities within a few weeks. However, it may take several months before you feel completely back to yourself.
What are your options after surgery?
After you've had a mastectomy, you have a few different options for breast reconstruction. One option is to have implants put in. This surgery involves placing an implant under the chest muscle and then creating a new breast mound. Another option is called autologous reconstruction, which uses your own tissue to create a new breast. This surgery is usually done with a flap of skin, fat, and muscle from your back, stomach, or thighs. Skin is taken from other parts of your body and sewn together to form a nipple. A tissue expander may be inserted into the chest cavity during this procedure. As it expands, it lifts up the skin to form a natural-looking breast mound that can later be replaced with an implant if desired. The third option for reconstructive surgery is called pedicle flap. With this procedure, doctors use abdominal tissue as well as some cartilage and fat from one's rib cage to create a new breast. They will cut away the area around the nipple so that it looks more like normal female anatomy before sewing it onto the abdomen wall (you can find more about pedicle flaps on MedlinePlus).
Where can you get more information about implant breast reconstruction?
If you're considering implant breast reconstruction, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some answers to common questions about this type of reconstruction.
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